Beyond Machu Picchu: Three More Reasons to Travel to Peru

StoryAbout Peru

If Peru is on your travel bucket list, chances are it's the historic citadel of Machu Picchu that inspires you. The extraordinary citadel remains the iconic symbol of the Inca civilization, as well as its awe-inspiring engineering and construction techniques. The structures, built without mortar, are still so solid even a knife can't pass between stones. Not to mention its location on a mountain ridge nearly 2500 metres (nearly 8000 feet) above sea level. Part of its mystery is that it remained isolated, unknown to the outside world until American historian Hiram Bingham was brought there in 1911. Since then, it has been declared a Peruvian Historical Sanctuary, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and even voted one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. But Machu Picchu is more than mystical ruins…

Cave Paintings Discovered Near Machu Picchu

Two new cave paintings have been discovered near the Machu Picchu ruins. The paintings depict a man and a camel in black and are drawn on a rock located about 15 minutes walking distance from Machu Picchu. The two drawings may have been made in pre-Inca times, the Cuzco Cultural Department has said, adding that more study is needed to confirm this theory. The paintings are not recorded in explorer Hiram Bingham's original findings when he discovered the Lost City of the Incas in 1911. An awe-inspiring lesson in how much more scholars and travelers can learn about this ancient and nearly mythical site.

The 'Second Machu Picchu': the Fortress of Kuelap

Keep some time in your Peru travel schedule for lesser-known historic attractions in Peru. Savvy travelers are paying more attention to historic treasures off the well-beaten path to Machu Picchu, like the fortress of Kuelap. This 1500-year old site sits atop a mountain ridge in Peru's north and is one of the largest monuments in the world, with more than 200 buildings, and stone walls reaching nearly 20 metres (more than 65 feet) high!

The site was built around 500AD by the Chachapoyas "cloud people" to deter conquests by the Incas. Reaching Kuelap has previously been reserved for adventurous travelers willing to climb steep mountain terrain. That's all changed with the launch of a new cable car system with 26 cars that can carry eight to 10 passengers at a time.

But the countryside of Peru has more to offer than the mysteries of ancient ruins!

Peru Sets a New Birding Record

There are officially more birds in Peru to see than anywhere else in the world.

Peru set a new record for birds during a recent international bird survey organized by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology's eBird project. This virtual gathering of the world's birding community logs bird species in 145 countries via checklists on just one day a year. This year, the most species were recorded in Peru with 1,242 bird species logged, once again beating second-place Brazil for top country with the most species of birds spotted.

No wonder nature lovers are 'flocking' (pun intended!) to Peru for birdwatching. With some 1,830 total species of birds, Peru is not only one of the most important birding destinations in the world. As confirmed by the eBird project, Peru is also the leading global country for actual bird observation. Birding hot spots in Peru include the Tambopata National Reserve, Manu National Park and the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve.

Make sure your itinerary is designed to experience this South American country's incredible biodiversity as well as its history and culture.

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